Microsoft Enhances Security To Prevent Windows 8.1 Update 2 Leak

It appears that the days of trying out early builds of the Windows operating system before launch are behind us, because according to a new report, Microsoft have made some sweeping internal changes to prevent such leaks.

The leak group claims that the software giant has increased security in its Redmond offices to ensure that no Windows copies are leaked. Additionally, the company can now also track down whoever publishes an early build of the operating system.

This is done via monitoring access to the servers that store test builds of Windows 8.1 Update 2, and testers can only try out the upcoming OS by individual requesting a key generated by the company.

Needless to say, each copy is digitally signed with this new key — and if a leaked copy reaches the web, Microsoft will have the ability to track down who posted it online.

And that’s not all.

The company is also keeping a rather close eye on its office in China, because apparently, many of the leaks that made their way to the web came from this country.

Even the corporate sales division in China is now closely monitored for suspicious activities.

Pretty comprehensive security layout from Microsoft, and it seems that senior executives at the company were not all too pleased with the various Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 builds that leaked out in the past couple of years.

This is probably a good thing. The only bad news for Microsoft is that people will still hate on things that are only speculated about simply because it’s MS

Mike Greenway

Sorry Ray but I don’t think that’s qualifies as “news” to Microsoft. We all know Haters are going to b*tch and moan, no mater what MS does. I think the only real concern is are their good, emotionally stable people out here that can be turned to the dark side by the constant propaganda of the mongers? I think were better then that. So don’t worry, be happy.

Ted Smith

I’m with Bruce and Mike on the last part. Microsoft definitely gets hated on just to get hated on, but I think there’s some of that for Apple as well. I just think it happens in different demographics.

Bruce Regael

Don’t really see how the second part matters. I agree and disagree on the first part though. As much as Microsoft, or any other company for that matter, hates leaks, they have done just as much good and bad for Microsoft. Hype is just one of the positive factors it generated for Microsoft. If people didn’t get their hands on “leaked” Windows XP/7 builds, I don’t think the momentum would have been nearly as strong out the gate.

Meanwhile the leaked builds also pointed out where Microsoft was going wrong well in advance. People saw problems with Vista and 8 a year before it RTM’d and because beta testers were just overzealous with joy at being a MS tester, the real people testing it aka “leakers” gave unbiased views that turned out to be true.

Just saying, it goes both ways. Microsoft loves leaks when they are in the companies favor, but they hate them when views are not in their favor, or aligned with their agenda.

Paul Jefferson

To me, it seems like a waste of resources. If it’s gonna leak, it’s gonna leak. Not worth spending tons of money to prevent it.